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Small SUV recommendations
01-21-2017, 08:25 AM
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#1
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Gone but not forgotten
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sarasota,fl.
Posts: 11,447
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Small SUV recommendations
As I mentioned in another thread my Honda SUV is having air conditioning problems( the evaporator went ) plus the paint is coming off in weird spots . The car is seven years old but only has 36,000 miles . I have read that when they start having air conditioning problems they just continue so I hesitate having it fixed and then facing the same problem or the compressor going in a few months . I need recommendations on a small reliable SUV.
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01-21-2017, 08:36 AM
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#2
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 164
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I have been very impressed with the Subaru. I own two Impreza wagons, and I like the Forrester also
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Taking the rest of my life off...
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01-21-2017, 08:39 AM
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#3
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
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Consumer's rates the Toyota RAV4, the Subaru and the Honda CRV tops in this class, though with only 36,000 miles I'd just drive it and have the AC fixed occasionally.
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01-21-2017, 08:41 AM
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#4
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Placerville
Posts: 1,788
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I've owned 3 Subaru Foresters and have loved every one of them. If you get a Subaru, be sure to get the EyeSight option. It's an enhanced speed control thingy. Car practically drives itself!
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01-21-2017, 08:54 AM
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#5
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gone traveling
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: DFW
Posts: 7,586
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I think part of the problem that when AC troubles occur is getting it fixed correctly the first time. I am not sure that many dealers do a good job on AC repairs, and it usually results in a partial fix, but continuing problems are not uncommon.
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01-21-2017, 08:54 AM
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#6
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 144
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Have a 2017 Ford Escape right now. Have put about 5000 miles on so far. It is a great vehicle. Comfortable with pretty good room. The new Sync/ My Ford Touch system works great. The previous system that we have in our Flex was pretty frustrating. Drive a few a see what fits you best. The dealer we went with let us keep the car overbite to make sure it worked for us.
good luck in your search
Tom
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01-21-2017, 08:54 AM
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#7
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Gone but not forgotten
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sarasota,fl.
Posts: 11,447
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Quote:
Originally Posted by travelover
Consumer's rates the Toyota RAV4, the Subaru and the Honda CRV tops in this class, though with only 36,000 miles I'd just drive it and have the AC fixed occasionally.
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I normally would also except in affected vehicles the whole system has to be replaced often to the tune of $4 to 5 thousand .One fix does not do it plus the paint issue is another problem and honestly I am not in love or even strong like with this car.
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01-21-2017, 08:56 AM
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#8
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,608
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I recently purchased a Forester and am hoping for a long happy life with it. There's a learning curve with all the new technology compared to my 1999 Camry. I am loving the heated seats and steering wheel during the cold weather.
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01-21-2017, 09:00 AM
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#9
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,148
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I had a Honda Element, same drive train as the CRV, for 9 years and about 110,000 miles - and never had any issues whatsoever. I've never had a significant issue with any of the 4 Honda or 3 Toyota cars we've owned. I'm sorry to hear about your AC issue, I'd be more than a little disappointed myself. Best of luck.
I've been interested and looked at the Subaru Forester and Outback, and their reported reliability is very good, but we never bought one because their mpg numbers were pretty awful in their respective classes. I assume due to 4WD weight & friction and/or the boxer engine configurations. Newer models have better mpg, but still not standouts in their classes.
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01-21-2017, 09:03 AM
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#10
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: On a hill in the Pine Barrens
Posts: 9,669
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We purchased a new Honda CR-V last year. I don't drive it every day, but have ridden in it maybe 40 hours total. It's fine.
My old 2011 Sonata with 30K miles is starting to piss me off. I would probably go with a RAV-4 if the decision had to be made right now. We had very good life and low maintenance with Camry, Camry Wagon, Highlander.
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01-21-2017, 09:04 AM
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#11
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,467
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Moemg, I know you like Toyotas like I do. I could see you being very happy in a RAV4, maybe? I have never had one or seen one up close, but it looks like a nice car and as travelover said, it has good reviews.
Maybe take it for a test drive this weekend, and see what you think?
For what it's worth, I agree with you about getting a different SUV now. Life is too short to drive an SUV that you don't like, and you can afford to replace it if you want to. I think you should just go ahead and do that, unless you are saving to move to a new house (something that I think you mentioned as a possibility a while back, but maybe you are going to stay put, I don't know). It doesn't matter what anybody thinks about your CRV but you. I hope you can find an SUV that you love!
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Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.
Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
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01-21-2017, 09:06 AM
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#12
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,155
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Honda CR-V fan here, and I know you don't want to hear about that.
But DW drives the smaller HR-V and loves it.
If I were looking for an alternative like you are, it would most likely be between the RAV4 and the Forester.
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01-21-2017, 09:15 AM
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#13
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Gone but not forgotten
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sarasota,fl.
Posts: 11,447
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Quote:
Originally Posted by braumeister
Honda CR-V fan here, and I know you don't want to hear about that.
But DW drives the smaller HR-V and loves it.
If I were looking for an alternative like you are, it would most likely be between the RAV4 and the Forester.
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I was a Honda CRV fan until this problem and it may have been a problem with the 2010's since my SO's ex wife had the same problem with a 2010 at a low mileage .I am going to Toyota this week since I absolutely adored my Solara .
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01-21-2017, 09:19 AM
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#14
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,467
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moemg
I was a Honda CRV fan until this problem and it may have been a problem with the 2010's since my SO's ex wife had the same problem with a 2010 at a low mileage .I am going to Toyota this week since I absolutely adored my Solara .
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Oh good! I am looking forward to reading what you think about the RAV4 or other Toyotas.
I have thought about getting something to replace my Venza. But, I don't really have an actual reason to sell it and I haven't seen any other SUV that is more appealing to me than it is. My only gripe with it is too many electronics making it too much of a "nanny car" and doing too much for me that I'd rather do myself. Unfortunately I think most new cars are like that these days.
The Venza isn't being made any more, and also it is a big SUV instead of a small one, or I'd recommend it.
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Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.
Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
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01-21-2017, 09:46 AM
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#15
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 132
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I'm driving my second RAV4. My first one got rear ended and totaled last summer. I had 65K miles on it and not a hint of any trouble. I absolutely love my new RAV with all the new electronic do dads. I'm not too fond of the neck pain after the accident but the car is great.
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01-21-2017, 10:14 AM
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#16
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,067
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I own a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 6 cyl. Drives great and gets good gas mileage. The Sport model is a 4 cyl if you want something a little smaller. I got the bigger one for hauling around my 90+ lb lab. He seems to like it.
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01-21-2017, 11:09 AM
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#17
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: No. California
Posts: 1,856
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I also have a RAV4 and when it is time to replace it, I will get another RAV4. It replaced a Camry but has much better visibility due to sitting higher than a sedan. The gas mileage is not as good as a Camry, but I get 22 - 27 mpg depending on in town vs highway driving. I love the room to haul things when the back seats are down.
I felt like it drove like a sedan when I test drove it. When I test drove a Subaru Forester, the transmission was very stiff and I didn't like the feel of the car. Haven't driven an Outback in decades, so I can't speak to it. But the Outback is very highly recommended, especially if you need 4WD.
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01-21-2017, 11:25 AM
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#18
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,174
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My wife bought a Subaru Crosstrek new in 2014 and loves it. It's the SUV version of the Impreza that has equivalent ground clearance to a Jeep Cherokee and consistently gets 30 to 33 MPG combined and up to 38 MPG on the highway. No problems so far.
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01-21-2017, 11:32 AM
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#19
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
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We rented a Jeep Compass for our west coast trip and a Toyota RAV4 for our key west trip. I really liked the RAV4. Great comfort, handling, gas mileage. I'd like to buy one in the future.
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01-21-2017, 11:59 AM
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#20
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 17,194
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Have you asked the dealership to see what they can get from Honda on the paint job Even at 7 years, paint should not be falling off a car...
As others have mentioned, I would just fix the AC and go with that... a new car is much more expensive then what you have... but, if you really want a new car then go for it....
Honda is one of the best by CR.... I just looked and everything is above average except the climate system... a big black dot.... for 2008 to 2010... seems to have been fixed for 2011... or they have not started to fail yet...
BTW, the RAV4 for the same year has a number of avg ratings... and it is avg overall, so the Honda is rated higher than the RAV4 overall...
If you want to go upscale a bit, the Highlander is very highly rated...
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